Archive for April, 2014

This set was really fun to make because it comes together pretty quickly just using a few charm packs.

I did my regular quilting pattern. It’s kind of like a stipple but I quilt in rows so it it’s not as stressful for me.

I really enjoy this fabric line from Moda; Chance of Flowers by Sandy Gervais. It’s perfect for baby quilts and would make really adorable clothes.

This is the project that got me a little behind on my Triangle Quilt Along with The Sassy Quilter. I do have the quilt top finished and just need to somehow get it quilted in the next few days. That way I can link up for a chance to win a prize!

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I’m not sure why I’m so into baby clothes right now, but I am. And no, I don’t have baby fever. I think it’s because they come together so quickly. It’s like instant gratification and they are so cute I can’t stand it.

I made another Sunny Dress by Felicity Patterns. This time I made the matching diaper cover and added some embroidery.

It’s just a stitch on my sewing machine so it was really easy.

Then I made a Rose Bud Romper, also by Felicity Patterns. This is a romper version of the Sunny Dress. I think it’s so sweet! It’s pretty small since I made the 3-6 months size. This will be headed to my niece who is due to be here in May.

Just waiting on my Kam Snaps order so I can add the snap buttons between the legs. Does anyone use these? I’ve heard good things and I’m hoping they work well.

This is one of my favorite AMH prints. Just look at that ruffle butt!

Then I remembered Big Butt Baby Pants after seeing them on blogs the past few years. So I headed to Made By Rae and purchased the pattern.

This is really versatile and it’s a unisex pattern. You can add pockets, ruffles, cuffs or even use a different print on the butt extension panel.

These are 3-6 months size well and I only used a 14″ cut of WOF.

Triangle Quilt Along progress. Got a few projects out of my way and I just need to finish up the last couple of rows to complete the top. Hoping we don’t have plans this weekend and I can get it quilted as well.

Where are you on your Triangle quilt? Paula gave us plenty of time but I tend to procrastinate… and make baby clothes.

My brother has a large blank wall and came up with an idea for a wall flag. Thankfully he just wanted something to hang and not an actual quilt.

His requirements were:

Big

Looks kind of old / frayed

Pledge of Allegiance on it

To make it look a little old I stitched the stars leaving 1/8″ – 1/4″ raw edges, so those would fray. I also chose marbled fabrics so there are no bright whites. Then I clipped around the edges so those will fray a bit.

The letters were the hardest part. First, I wrote directly on the fabric with a tan sharpie. It was nerve-wracking because if I messed up, it would be a total pain in the ass the fix.

Using black thread I stitched over each letter 7-8 times. Stitching the letters took f.o.r.e.v.e.r.

That’s Lizzie’s leg poking through. Taking pictures was a little tough but you can get a better feel for the size.

Overall I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out.

(Don’t look at the stars…. crap! Yes, I *just*noticed this. Oh well. It’s a likeness of the flag. Don’t see what I did there? Good.)

The pattern image has cute embroidery detail that I would have loved to use. I tested different colors of thread and the embroidery was just lost in this print. It’s definitely a must on the next one.

Rose Bud Romper is the original pattern I wanted. Totally adorable, right??

I plan on buying that pattern as well and just chose the Sunny Dress first because I didn’t have elastic. You know what it’s like when you are in the mood to make something that very second? Yeah, that happened.

The back of it is super cute as well with the ruffle butt along the back side.

The fabric is by Lisette (Liesl & Co) and it almost has a vintage/feedsack vibe. The fabric, combined with the pattern, makes me feel nostalgic in a way.

Not sure if I’ll make the bloomers for this one (bit short on the fabric), but I’ll definitely make this pattern again. I made size 1 which says 12-18 months.

Updates:

Triangle Quilt: I still have a few rows to stitch together so I’m a bit behind. I hope to get caught up before it’s all over!

Birthday Bash: Mailing Nicole’s present today. I meant to last week but had a few things I wanted to add.

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I’m participating in a Birthday Bash Swap where 8 of us are exchanging handmade gifts for each other on the recipients birthday month. I, being ever so lucky, was the first recipient with my birthday being the end of February. We started a little late in the year so I received my happy mail during most of March.

In hindsight, I should have blogged each of these gifts separately. There is so much goodness in each one that I could take a dozen pictures of each.

My items are already in use *heart-heart-heart*. Rather than round it all up, I’ll be linking to each blogger and the handmade item on their site (if available). The pictures I’m posting are from the day they arrived and I shared my happiness via Instagram.

It’s a cosmetic case with fabric that I’ve been lusting over and can’t get my hands on. Those viewfinders are just drool-worthy. My case has already been on a trip to the lake and currently storing some of my traveling products. More info and pattern details here. She also MADE those cute pins and sent me oodles of fun things including a flying geese ruler. Give Amanda a visit and join in on her fussy cut swaps! They are FUN.

It totally makes me swoon. Before she asked about using batiks I wasn’t sure I liked them – this SO changed my mind! It’s absolutely perfect and reminds me the ocean and the little fish make me smile. It’s on my nightstand. I don’t believe Renee has blogged about it but you should check out her site. Her quilting is gorgeous and she makes it look easy. Just look at the fish scales! I wish I had some of that talent. (BTW – those hair ties are the best kind, they don’t leave hair dents)

Isn’t he adorable? The pattern is Owl You Need. He has little pockets on his belly and they were stuffed full of fun things including 3 buttons. The buttons were puppies, 2 white and 1 brown – just like dogs! She also sent the best needles I’ve ever used; glass pins made by Little House. Hootie keeps me company on my sewing table and holds misc items for me. Definitely stop by and give Mara a visit!

Yes! It’s a great item that I didn’t even know I had to have. First, the front of it is amazing – I love the black with the brights. Second, I actually needed this to store some of hand sewing things in. It holds a lot. A LOT. You can find the pattern info here. And… look at all the goodies! Stephanie is pretty amazing with just her quilting abilities, but get this: She just had a baby and pretty much blogged, stitched and quilted like a maniac up to the second she had him. Yeah. She’s a boss. So, stop by and check her out.

I have to say this: Nicole said this was her first swap (mine, too) and I’m SO happy it was to me. Ha! She totally spoiled me rotten with goodies. Like, seriously loaded that Travel Case up and it has more space than you’d realize. You can find more pictures and info on the pattern here. Fabrics, small open wide pouch, washi, candy… the list goes on, but the Travel Case seriously makes me happy. I love the fabrics and it’s super functional. Stop by to say hi and drool over the toy blocks she made (in the same link as above).

It’s LARGE! I already have things stored in it and can think of a hundred reasons to make more of these. She shares the pattern info here. I’m using mine to store our outdoor plates and miscellaneous items I’m always lugging outside. We eat outside a lot in the warmer months and that time is upon us. This basket will be greatly used and looks much prettier than the hideous grocery bag I was using. Plus – look at the pouch (which would have been fantastic to receive by itself!) and all of the fun things she sent. I’m really excited to use the metal zippers, I’ve never sewn with them before. Sarah recently kicked off a DYO Sampler at Sew, Mama, Sew! You definitely need to check it out.

Fun, fun, fun! My birthday bash wrapped up when I received these goodies from Leona. The little basket is super cute and is currently on my cutting table to catch stray scraps. I love the scrappy-ness of it. She also sent some items I can really use and the doorknob notepad was a hit with the girls. They like to put notes on the garage door like “get candy”, “pay Tori $20”. Heh. Leona’s sister recently passed away and she’s taking a break from the blog, but definitely check her site out and add her to future reading. She’s involved in a lot of interesting swaps and likes to pay-it-forward.

Isn’t it all amazing?! Quilters have got to be some of the most generous people I know and I’m thankful to be involved in the online community. Right now I’m working on my gift for the next birthday girl, Nicole. I hope she enjoys her month as much as I did! Big thank you to Stephanie for putting it together!